Cracker Barrel Welcomes Spring with New Dishes and the Return of Classic Comforts
Rhea-AI Summary
Cracker Barrel (NASDAQ: CBRL) launched a spring menu on Feb 10, 2026 featuring returning classics and seasonal additions. Highlights include the returning Ham Dinner, Fried Catfish, the refreshed Smoky Southern Salmon, new scrambles, shareable Hushpuppy Dippers, Carrot Cake, and a value Meals for Two starting at $19.99 through 5/3/26.
The menu is available for a limited time at Cracker Barrel locations nationwide; some offers are dine-in only and subject to availability.
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Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
CBRL was modestly higher by 0.27% with relatively light volume while peers were mixed: HDL up 2.76%, FWRG down 1.3%, KRUS down 3.12%, SG down 5.76%. Only KRUS appeared in the momentum scanner, moving down, suggesting today's action in CBRL is stock-specific rather than a broad restaurant sector move.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 02 | New store opening | Positive | +4.1% | Opened 10th Maryland restaurant in Annapolis and donated $10,000 to food bank. |
| Jan 30 | Brand partnership | Positive | +5.9% | Joined America250 with themed menu items, merchandise, and in‑store storytelling experiences. |
| Jan 06 | Seasonal menu promo | Positive | +8.3% | Refreshed winter menu and highlighted value Meals for Two offer starting at $19.99. |
| Dec 10 | Holiday promotions | Positive | +3.5% | Launched free toy with kids’ meals, Meals for Two, and Heat & Serve holiday meals. |
| Dec 09 | Earnings and outlook | Negative | +1.4% | Reported lower revenue and cut adjusted EBITDA guidance for fiscal 2026. |
Recent brand and promotional announcements have generally coincided with positive 24-hour price reactions, while weaker fundamental updates showed a smaller, divergent positive move.
Over the last few months, CBRL has issued a series of brand- and traffic-focused announcements, including a new Annapolis location on Feb 2, 2026 with a $10,000 donation, an America250 partnership on Jan 30, 2026, and seasonal menu and value promotions on Jan 6, 2026 and Dec 10, 2025. These have seen 24-hour gains between 3.52% and 8.25%. In contrast, Q1 fiscal 2026 results on Dec 9, 2025 featured revenue of $797.2M and lowered EBITDA guidance but still produced a smaller 1.43% gain, indicating the market previously responded more strongly to promotional and experiential news than to weaker fundamental metrics.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement extends CBRL’s strategy of driving traffic and perceived value through seasonal menus and the weekday “Meals for Two” deal starting at $19.99 and running through 5/3/26. Recent history shows multiple promotional campaigns and a new store opening alongside softer fundamentals, including Q1 revenue of $797.2M and reduced EBITDA guidance. Investors may watch how these offers affect guest visits, average check, and progress toward the $3.2B–$3.3B revenue outlook.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Beloved, craveable favorites and thoughtful seasonal additions keep Cracker Barrel feeling like home
Rooted in classics like the Ham Dinner and Fried Catfish and brightened by new seasonal recipes like the Smoky Southern Salmon, the spring menu underscores Craker Barrel's commitment to flavors that guests have loved for decades, alongside fresh, timely updates.
"Spring has always been a season of coming together, and that sense of connection is at the heart of who we are," said Thomas Yun, Vice President of Menu Strategy and Innovation at Cracker Barrel. "Our spring menu brings back the flavors guests know and love, while offering new ways to enjoy the comfort and care that make Cracker Barrel feel like home."
Returning and Seasonal Spring Features
Back by popular demand, the Ham Dinner, a Cracker Barrel classic and guest favorite, is the centerpiece of the spring lineup. Featuring sugar-cured or country ham with choice of Classic Sides – including Dumplins, Fried Cinnamon Apples, Hashbrown Casserole, Macaroni & Cheese, and Mashed Potatoes – and warm buttermilk biscuits or corn muffins. The Ham Dinner is the same comforting meal generations have grown up with, returning just in time for spring gatherings.
Seafood Offerings
Timed for a season when seafood is top of mind, Cracker Barrel highlights popular favorites along with a refreshed seasonal entree:
- Fried Catfish – Two cornmeal-fried,
U.S. farm-raised catfish fillets served with tartar sauce and hushpuppies, plus two or three classic sides. - Smoky Southern Salmon – Making its return to the menu, this guest‑favorite salmon comes back with a new seasonal recipe featuring a smokier, more savory flavor profile. Guests can enjoy it as an entrée, paired with shrimp, or served atop a fresh salad.
Breakfast, All Day Long
Guests looking for familiar and satisfying breakfast choices can enjoy two new savory scrambles alongside a returning seasonal favorite. The Farmhouse Scramble features bacon, sugar ham, peppers, onions, and Colby cheese drizzled with a sweet and spicy maple syrup over scrambled eggs, finished with diced tomatoes and green onions. The Garden Scramble combines roasted cremini mushrooms, spinach, peppers, onions, and pepper jack cheese over three scrambled eggs, topped with diced tomatoes and green onions. Guests can also once again enjoy the returning Strawberry Stuffed Cheesecake Pancakes, offering a sweet start (or finish) to any visit.
Shareable & Sweet Finishes
The season also introduces comforting dishes that build on the timeless experience guests expect from Cracker Barrel. The new Hushpuppy Dippers feature the same classic hushpuppies traditionally served with the Fried Catfish, now reimagined as a warm, shareable start to the meal. The returning Carrot Cake offers a nostalgic sweet finish with moist layers baked with coconut, pineapple, walnuts, cinnamon, and vanilla, topped with cream cheese icing and chopped pecans. Together, these additions invite guests to slow down, connect, and enjoy the simple pleasures that make Cracker Barrel special.
Double the Comfort: Meals for Two
Finally, Cracker Barrel's value-packed "Meals for Two" deal extends through spring, offering guests the opportunity to savor the brand's signature homestyle cooking and country hospitality at an unbeatable value. Available all day, Monday through Friday, this delicious offer includes two entrées and a choice of a shareable starter or dessert starting at
The spring menu is available now for a limited time at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations nationwide.
To learn more about Cracker Barrel's seasonal offerings or to find a nearby location, visit CrackerBarrel.com and follow Cracker Barrel on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
*Meals for Two offer valid thru 5/3/26, exclusive of taxes and beverages. Dine in only. Not available for takeaways, carryout, to-go, delivery and online purchases. Subject to availability. May not redeem pegs toward the purchase and not valid with any other discounts or promotions. Offer subject to modification/withdrawal without notice.
About Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. - rooted in a rich legacy of warmth, generosity, and tradition - is on a mission to bring the goodness of country hospitality to life. Since 1969, when the first store opened in
Contact:
Media.relations@crackerbarrel.com
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SOURCE Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
FAQ
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